Technology Deficits

 

The barriers which stand in the way of acquiring science and technology literacy are not so much the result of dominated and oriented hardware and software (these barriers to understanding may be overcome), but rather the result of monopolistic trends observed in connection with software, something which may lead to standardization, conformism and even manipulation in guiding users through the maze of information on the web. Search engines, so-called "related sites", below-the-surface sales psychology strategies, non-transparent holding companies, all of which are interwoven and interconnected with each another, attempt to steer users.

Another example is the technology of encryption. The latter makes safe data transfer possible for private users, for instance when shopping on Internet with their credit cards. The few States has passed restrictive legislation in this area, banning the export of particularly safe encryption systems and thus favoring some companies in their business transactions. This will make it necessary for Europe to make additional investments to develop encryption technologies of its own. 

There is a general lack of good teaching software for children, pupils and adults. What computer industry puts on the market often does not reflect state-of-the-art knowledge in the field of teaching methods. Few influenced computer languages and user interfaces also make software harder to understand. The way they are structured is not optimally suited to facilitate the use of the new technology. Monopolistic tendencies on the market obstruct or prevent more user-friendly alternatives. Continuing education can counteract this. Programming languages can be learned.

The extremely short service life for hardware and software often results in schools working with computers and programmes which are no longer used in industry. Financial resources in the educational sector are often not sufficient to keep pace with technological developments. Industrial sponsoring would be particularly helpful here, and leasing would make it easier to keep up with technological developments. Insufficient compatibility between different kinds of hardware and software sometimes makes their use in the educational system more difficult.